In particular, positive emotions can aid in both resistance to stress and recovery from stress.

Cultivating positive emotions helps us resist stress by broadening our perspective and reasoning. We are able to be more flexible in our thinking and to problem solve more effectively when confronted with problems.

Positive emotions also help us to build enduring social resources for support, and give us a chance to maintain more emotional balance by increasing psychological resilience.

Positive emotions help us recover from stress by offsetting many of the symptoms of negative emotions. The impact of negative emotions physiologically can take a toll on our body and mind.

When we cultivate positive emotions, or general calming emotional tones, it provides us a time-out from the arousal of stress and anger.

Having this breather from stress is crucial to stop from becoming overwhelmed, and allows for easier recovery when going through difficult times.

Here are a few general suggestions for how to cope in a positive way:

Develop a positive outlook on life. Recognize that the problem taking place right now won’t necessarily last forever, and that it won’t ruin your life.

Accept the difficulties that can’t be changed. This may also relate to cultivating forgiveness for others or yourself.

Seek support from friends and family. Be willing to communicate with others about what is taking place, and build bonds by connecting with others.

Do kind things for other people and become involved in community events.

Use positive appraisal for adverse experiences. How can you find some sort of meaning and value in what is happening? Find what can be learned from the experience and how it will help you grow as a person.

Use your strengths and engage in hobbies and activities you really enjoy.

enjoy nature

journal (write things down, doodle)

spend quality time with family, partner

watch movies, listen to music

play with a pet

Meditate and pray to develop greater patience and relaxation. Use deep breathing for relaxation and prayer for more positive self-talk.

About Joe Wilner

Joe Wilner is a life coach, licensed clinical psychotherapist (LCP), and drummer from the band Yes You Are. He is also creator of You Have a Calling, a blog and online community helping people discover and pursue their life’s work and mission. Through deep and personalized coaching, he helps ambitious, creative, and spiritually minded individuals make a greater impact, grow as leaders, and design a soulful life they are inspired by.

APA Reference
Wilner, J. (2012). Going Through a Difficult Time? How Positive Emotions Can Help You Cope. Psych Central.
Retrieved on December 14, 2017, from https://blogs.psychcentral.com/positive-psychology/2012/02/going-through-a-difficult-time-how-positive-emotions-can-help-you-cope/

Last updated: 1 Feb 2012Views expressed are those solely of the author, not of Psych Central, and have not been reviewed.
Originally published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.